Hello to all. I am a new member. I have been reading the threads for 3 weeks. You guys have saved me a fortune in mechanic fees. I thought I was making progress when my 528i overheated again.

It started overheating 3 years ago. Each time I took it to the shop we were good for a year. This year it has been weekly. Out of money, I found this forum. I read everything I could find on the cooling system. This last weekend I performed the following maintenance with your help.

New radiatior and cap, thermostat and housing (aluminum), fan clutch, water pump, hoses. I cant think of anyother items I can replace. I did replace the can position sensor (not as bad as most said).

Now keep in mind the car would make it 1/2 mile and spring to the red. I can now make it 10miles. Currently the car will sit at idle for an hour no problems, drive it and 8 to ten miles later it jumps to the red. I have bleed the system each time and when the car cools the water level seems to bit lower but still very close(Ithink when I open the bleeder and the stean comes out it looses a bit of water).

I read the headgasket therory and haveing a hard time with this one. The oil is free on water and the coolent has no oil. The tail pipe is clean, no white smoke. The heater works great, the car runs great! (for 10 miles).It has 128k miles. I dont mind changing the head gasket but I am running out of motivation when the results dont seem to change.

I have a friend who said to remove the stearing wheel and drive a volvo underneath it. I realy hate that guy.

Unfortunatly the car tested to be the headgasket. Sucking air into the cooling system. FYI I didnt realize the test for this is simple. They test the coolent for carbons. Why wasnt this done when the first thermostat was replaced. I highly recomend this test before spending any money on repairs.

Thanks for the help.

I am going to attempt this myself. Any recomendations for a good guide with photos? All advice welcome, Please!